Fentanyl overdose deaths up nearly 70 percent in Washington

The number of people who died from an overdose of illicit fentanyl in Washington increased by nearly 70 percent this year compared to last. Health officials say a dose of the powerful opioid the size of a few grains of sand can kill a person.

Author:
KING Staff

Published:
9:54 PM PST December 5, 2018

Updated:
12:29 AM PST December 6, 2018

There has been a dramatic increase of overdose deaths in Washington linked to illicit fentanyl.

Illicit fentanyl is being found in new forms, including a variety of counterfeit pills made to look like prescription opioids, health officials said. The drug has also been found in white and colored powders.

“While fentanyl has been a significant cause of overdose death elsewhere in the United States, our state is now seeing the rise of its deadly impact,” said Dr. Kathy Lofy, state health officer and co-chair of the state’s Opioid Response Work Group. “We need people who take illicit drugs to seek treatment and take other actions to reduce their risk of an overdose.”

The Health Department is urging anyone who uses opioids to be alert and carry naloxone. If you see an overdose call 911, give naloxone, and do rescue breathing. Multiple doses of naloxone may be required to restore breathing.

Under Washington law, neither the victim or anyone assisting with an overdose will be prosecuted for drug possession.